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  • Title: Feeding infants - an investment in the future.
    Author: Twomey A, Kiberd B, Matthews T, O'Regan M.
    Journal: Ir Med J; 2000 Nov; 93(8):248-50. PubMed ID: 11133060.
    Abstract:
    Because nutrition during infancy not only determines growth but also impacts on future adult health, it is essential that healthy eating habits be promoted from a very young age. This study examines current feeding practices among Irish infants in the first year of life. Although 51% of Irish mothers commenced breast-feeding their infants at birth, the number of women who continued to breast-feed their infants at 3 months of age was among the lowest in Europe. Over two-thirds of infants (70%) received some formula by 4 weeks of age and the majority of infants changed formulas at least once or twice in the first year. The use of follow-up milk formulas was particularly prevalent in Ireland. Only 16% of infants were given unmodified cow's milk in their first year of life but none had been prescribed supplemental iron or vitamins. On average, Irish infants were weaned between 3 and 4 months of age but few families used home-prepared foods in the initial weaning period. Areas for future intervention include the encouragement of a longer duration of breast-feeding, appropriate vitamin and iron supplementation and the promotion of home-prepared foods.
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